Circumcision is not a magic bullet
Dec 20, 2008
THE Ministry of Health plans to carry out mass free circumcision next year. This requires careful communication. Much as there is plenty of evidence that circumcision reduces a man’s risk of getting HIV, it is not a magic bullet. It is only half protective against HIV. <br>
THE Ministry of Health plans to carry out mass free circumcision next year. This requires careful communication. Much as there is plenty of evidence that circumcision reduces a man’s risk of getting HIV, it is not a magic bullet. It is only half protective against HIV.
A circumcised man still has to abstain from sex or stick to one sexual partner or use a condom. This has to be effectively communicated to ensure circumcised men do not get a false sense of protection. Circumcision can significantly reduce HIV incidence in the population only if large numbers of men do it. To achieve this, politicians, religious leaders and cultural leaders, who have big followings in their communities, must be closely involved.
In a country like Uganda where most cultures and religions do not practise circumcision, health workers must clearly explain the benefits and limitations of the practice.
The health system should be well prepared, with good facilities, trained personnel and customer care. Many Ugandans stay away from free, life-saving services such as family planning due to rudeness of health workers. This should not be allowed to happen with male circumcision.
Above all, doctors should not insist that circumcision is their domain, to be carried out by qualified surgeons. Given the acute shortage of doctors in Uganda, other cadres of health workers should be trained to carry out circumcision. Protectionism should not deny citizens a vital service.
A circumcised man still has to abstain from sex or stick to one sexual partner or use a condom. This has to be effectively communicated to ensure circumcised men do not get a false sense of protection. Circumcision can significantly reduce HIV incidence in the population only if large numbers of men do it. To achieve this, politicians, religious leaders and cultural leaders, who have big followings in their communities, must be closely involved.
In a country like Uganda where most cultures and religions do not practise circumcision, health workers must clearly explain the benefits and limitations of the practice.
The health system should be well prepared, with good facilities, trained personnel and customer care. Many Ugandans stay away from free, life-saving services such as family planning due to rudeness of health workers. This should not be allowed to happen with male circumcision.
Above all, doctors should not insist that circumcision is their domain, to be carried out by qualified surgeons. Given the acute shortage of doctors in Uganda, other cadres of health workers should be trained to carry out circumcision. Protectionism should not deny citizens a vital service.